sulfátredukciós
Sulfátredukció, also known as sulfate reduction, is a biogeochemical process by which sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻) are reduced to hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) or other sulfur compounds. This process is primarily carried out by a group of microorganisms known as sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRBs). These bacteria are anaerobic, meaning they thrive in environments lacking oxygen. They utilize sulfate as an electron acceptor in their metabolic respiration, obtaining energy from the oxidation of organic matter or inorganic electron donors.
The overall reaction for sulfate reduction can be simplified as: SO₄²⁻ + 2CH₂O + 2H⁺ → H₂S + 2CO₂ + 2H₂O.
Sulfate reduction plays a significant role in the global sulfur cycle. It is responsible for the removal